Ramadan has begun: Since 10 March and until 9 April, devout Muslims have been fasting between sunrise and sunset. REWE store manager Turgut Akkaya explains what this means for everyday working life and how colleagues and employers support those who are fasting.
one: Mr Akkaya, what are the rules for fasting during Ramadan?
Turgut Akkaya: Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar year. During Ramadan, believers are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Breaking the fast in the evening after sunset, which we call Iftar, is a festive communal experience. It begins with the consumption of a date and a sip of water.
one: What does fasting mean to you personally?
Turgut Akkaya: Fasting is very important to me. It strengthens willpower, discipline and self-control. Fasting is healthy for body and soul, it clears the mind and detoxifies the body. And after the four weeks, we celebrate Eid-al-Fitr with the family at my parents' house. That's always really nice.
one: How do you manage to fast and work at the same time?
Turgut Akkaya: In summer, when it's light outside for a long time, fasting can last 15 hours or longer. Especially when it's hot, it's a challenge for the believers. Many get tired in the afternoon or get a headache. Fasting gives the day a different rhythm. Some Muslims take holidays during the fasting period so that they can fast in peace. As Eid is not an official holiday in Germany, many Muslims also take a holiday here.
„Our employer tolerates us fasting. That's great recognition“Turgut Akkaya
one: How do you experience the interaction in the market?
Turgut Akkaya: In recent years, I have had the great experience that non-Muslims on the late shift send our fasting employees to eat and drink on time to break their fast and treat them with respect and tolerance. Our employer also tolerates it when employees fast. I personally think that's a great honour. Many Muslims want to work the early shift during the fasting month so that they can break the fast with their family, or they take leave. It shows tolerance when this is taken into account in staff planning.
one: What do you recommend to fasting colleagues?
Turgut Akkaya: Drink a lot after sunset, especially water. The water shouldn't be too cold and you should drink it throughout the evening. Don't drink too much coffee or tea and preferably nothing containing sugar, as these drinks make you very thirsty for the next day. In the morning, drink plenty more before sunrise. Avoid savoury foods as much as possible. For a long-lasting feeling of satiety, food should contain mainly proteins and carbohydrates. Eggs, pulses, wholegrain products, dried fruit, vegetables, oatmeal, bananas, quark and yoghurt are wonderful for this. And: It's better to eat smaller portions spread over the permitted period, otherwise you'll get a stomach ache.
